Lillian “Lilly” Rush is the main character of Cold Case, portrayed by Kathryn Morris.
She is Philadelphia’s first female homicide detective specializing in solving cold
cases alongside her partner, Scotty Valens. Lilly is deeply dedicated to justice,
believing that all victims deserve to be remembered.
Raised in poverty by an alcoholic mother, Lilly had a traumatic childhood. Her father
abandoned the family, and she suffered a violent attack as a child. These
experiences left her with significant trust issues, affecting her relationships,
particularly with men. Her relationship with her sister, Christina, is strained due
to past betrayals, and she has a complicated dynamic with her absentee father, whom
she reconnects with later in life.
At work, Lilly is highly skilled, known for her interrogations and relentless pursuit
of justice. She has a close, almost familial bond with her boss, John Stillman, and
a deep trust in Scotty Valens, despite past conflicts. Throughout the series, she
survives multiple life-threatening incidents, including being shot and nearly
drowning.
Despite facing personal and professional challenges, Lilly remains committed to her
work. By the end of the series, she is offered a job with the FBI, leaving her
future uncertain.
Scotty Valens
Scotty Valens is a Philadelphia homicide detective who joined in 2003 as Lilly Rush’s
partner. Initially cocky, he quickly earned his squad’s respect despite a turbulent
personal life. Born in the 1970s to Cuban immigrants, he idolized his older brother,
Mike, and secretly witnessed his abuse by a boxing coach. His career began in
undercover work, where he developed feelings for Ana Castilla, a woman trapped in
the drug trade, but she was murdered.
Scotty’s relationships were complicated. He stayed with his schizophrenic childhood
sweetheart, Elisa, out of guilt, but after her suicide, he was haunted by the belief
she was murdered. He later dated Christina Rush, ADA Alexandra Thomas, and lab
technician Frankie Rafferty, but all relationships ended due to betrayal, guilt, or
professional conflicts. His rebellious streak often put him at odds with authority,
notably when he saved Lilly from a hostage situation, leading to a suspension. He
later confronted his past, helping his brother testify against their childhood
abuser and seeking justice for his mother after she was assaulted. Despite personal
struggles, Scotty remained a passionate and dedicated detective, driven by loyalty
and a deep sense of justice.
Kat Miller
Kat Miller joined the Philadelphia Homicide Squad in 2005 after working undercover in
Narcotics. She has a daughter, Veronica, from a past encounter with gang member
Jarrod Jones. A haunting case from 2002, where a teen died in her arms, was solved
years later. She was once shot in the line of duty and later transferred to Homicide
after impressing Lieutenant Stillman. In 2009, she briefly dated ADA Curtis Bell,
but their relationship ended when she resisted Jarrod’s bid for joint custody. By
2010, she allowed Jarrod visitation, and her relationship with Curtis hinted at a
possible reconciliation.
Nick Vera
Detective Nick Vera is a tough but skilled investigator in the Philadelphia Homicide
unit. Born in the late 1960s, he learned some Russian from his grandfather and
played hockey in high school. He joined the police force in 1989 and helped a
Russian family seeking asylum, later attending the funeral of one of them after her
murder. By 1998, he had become a detective, working a series of rape cases,
including the murder of Gail Chimayo. His aggressive pursuit of a suspect led to
frustration when the case remained unsolved, leaving a lasting impact on him.
John Stillman
Lieutenant John Stillman leads the Philadelphia cold case squad with a stern but
caring approach. A Vietnam veteran, he carries war-era stress and personal
struggles, including his daughter Janie’s assault and his failed marriage, strained
by his dedication to the job. He once had an affair with Diane Yates and has a
brother who is a Catholic priest. After taking an unpaid leave to protect a
colleague, he briefly retired but later returned to duty. In season 7, he clashed
with Patrick Doherty, who resented him for imprisoning his son and exposing
corruption.
Will Jeffries
Detective Will Jeffries was the most senior member of Philadelphia’s Homicide unit,
known for his dedication to justice, particularly in cases affecting the Black
community. Raised in a troubled home, he was mentored by a store owner who set him
on the right path. A former football player, his career ended due to injury, and he
later served in Vietnam. Jeffries lost his wife, Mary, in a hit-and-run in 1995, an
event that shaped his commitment to road safety and justice. His deep sense of duty
sometimes led to conflicts, including punching an ADA over a wrongful conviction.
Though respected and serious about his work, he remained shy in his personal life,
unwilling to move on from his late wife despite encouragement from colleagues.
Chris Lassing
Chris Lassing, nicknamed “Lass” by Lilly Rush, was her partner until 2003. While a
competent and hardworking detective, he didn’t share her passion for cold cases. A
smoker, Lassing struggled with the long hours of the job and later transferred out
of the Homicide unit due to diabetes. He was replaced by Scotty Valens.
Character Connections
Pictured above is a diagram displaying the relations between the characters in the
show.
